Beverage container with aesthetic case

ABSTRACT

An aesthetic case for a beverage container having a bottle, a cap detachably engaged with the bottle, and a straw extending from the bottle through the cap. The aesthetic case includes a plush article with a cavity for receipt of the bottle and the cap, an opening that moves from an open position to a closed position, and an outlet for receipt of the straw. A fastening member attaches to the plush article for securement of the opening in the closed position and release of the opening to the opening position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/690,057 filed Jun. 18, 2012, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a beverage container with an aesthetic case, and more particularly to a beverage container with a plush toy case for children.

Typically, parents carry around an abundance of items for their children from place to place, such as diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, snacks, pacifier, among other items. Many parents would not leave home without their child's favorite toy. Plush or stuffed animals has been one of the most popular children's toys for decades. For many children, stuffed animals provide a sense of security and comfort. Some children become so attached to a stuffed animal that they carry it with them most everywhere.

Another essential item is the ubiquitous “sippy-cup”. Generally, the sippy cup is a spill-proof drinking cup designed for children. Many children carry around or keep nearby some form spill-proof beverage container. These types of containers are a portable and convenient for use by today's busy families. Besides preventing spills, these beverage containers also prevent contamination from foreign matter.

Generally, it is the parent's responsibility to keep track of all these items. To the extent possible, the less items needed the less chance items can be lost or damaged. Therefore, what is needed is beverage container with an aesthetic case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container with an aesthetic case;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container with the aesthetic case;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the container with the aesthetic case in a closed position; and

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the container with the aesthetic case in an open position.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a container with aesthetic case 10, includes a plush article 12 defining a cavity 14 configured for receipt and securement of a beverage container 16. The container 16 includes a tube or straw 18 extending through an outlet 20 in the plush article 12, which is accessible by the user.

The beverage container 16 is preferably a sport bottle type container having a generally cylindrical bottle 22. A cap 24 seats with an upper end of the bottle 22, such as with respective male and female threads, with a generally liquid tight seal. However, the cap 24 can seat with the bottle 22 with any suitable method, including, but not limited to, o-rings, friction fit, or a snap fit. The cap 24 is generally cylindrical with an opening 26 sized to receive the straw 18. The straw 18 should be of sufficient length to extend the length of the bottle 22 through the opening 26 of the cap 24, and through the outlet 20 in the plush article 12 for access by the user. If desired, the straw 18 can include a retention member, such as an annular ring or protrusion that is larger than the opening 26, to prevent the complete removal of the straw 18 from the cap 24. A removeable cover 28 attaches to the straw 18 for attachment and detachment from a tip 30 of the straw 18. In this way, the cover 28 can be attached to the tip 30 to prevent loss of fluid and detached from the tip 30 to provide access to the user. In alternate embodiments, the straw 18 can be replaced with other similar devices, including, but not limited to a spout, a nozzle, a tube, and the like. If desired, a check valve can be attached or incorporated into the straw 18 that only allows fluid to flow out of the straw 18 when the users exerts suction on the straw 18.

The beverage container 16 is preferably made from polymer materials, such as polyethylene and urethane, for their durability, lightweight, temperature tolerance, and safety. However, any suitable materials can be used including metal, polycarbonate, and other suitable materials. Although the beverage container 16 of FIGS. 1-4 is generally cylindrical, any size and shaped can be used, such as rectangular, spherical, or collapsible bag shaped. If desired, the beverage container 16 or the plush article 12 can include thermal insulating properties, such as vacuum-insulated wall, foam, or other materials. Alternatively, a cooling device, such as an ice pack or ice substitute, or a warming device can be used.

The plush article 12, preferably a toy teddy bear, defines the cavity 14 which is configured to receive the beverage container 16. The cavity 14 includes a liner 32 preferably made of a fabric material, although other materials can be used, such as plastic or antibacterial material. A securement member 34 attaches to the liner 32 and is configured for securement of the beverage container 16. The securement member 34 is preferably flexible strap, but can comprise any device for securement of the beverage container 16. A closable opening 36 to the cavity 14 extends generally the length of the rear of the plush article 12. A fastening member 38 attaches to the edges of the opening 36 that moves from an open position (FIG. 4) to a closed position (FIG. 3). The securement member 34 is preferably a hook and loop device, such as Velcro®, but other devices can also be used, such as, a zipper, magnets, buttons, or clasps.

Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 disclose the plush article 12 to be a teddy bear, any suitable shape and size can be used that provide a desirable aesthetic effect, including, but not limited to, animals, figures, brand name images, or pillows.

In operation, the user fills the bottle 20 with a desired fluid and connects the cap 24 and straw 18 to the bottle 20. The user places the bottle 20 with cap 24 and straw 18 inside the cavity 14 of the plush article 12 so that the straw 18 protrudes through the outlet 20. The user places the fastening member 38 in the closed position.

Changes can be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, different types of filters can be used with the straw 18 or the bottle 20, to filter the fluid dispensed from the beverage container 16. In another alternate embodiment, the plush article 12 can include a carrying strap. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An aesthetic case for a beverage container, comprising: a bottle for receipt of a beverage; a cap detachably engaged with the bottle and defining an opening; a straw extending from the bottle through the opening of the cap; a plush article defining a cavity for receipt of the bottle and the cap, and defining an opening that moves from an open position to a closed position, and defining an outlet for receipt of the straw; and a fastening member attached to the plush article for securement of the opening in the closed position and release of the opening to the opening position.
 2. The aesthetic case of claim 1, further comprising a liner covering an inner surface of the plush article.
 3. The aesthetic case of claim 1, further comprising a securement member attached to the plush article within the cavity for securement of the bottle.
 4. The aesthetic case of claim 1, further comprising a retention member on the straw to prevent removal of the straw from the opening of the cap.
 5. The aesthetic case of claim 1, further comprising an insulation material.
 6. The aesthetic case of claim 1, wherein the bottle comprises an insulation material.
 7. The aesthetic case of claim 1, wherein the fastening member is a hook and loop member.
 8. An aesthetic case for a beverage container having a bottle, a cap detachably engaged with the bottle, and a straw extending from the bottle through the cap, comprising: a plush article defining a cavity for receipt of the bottle and the cap, and defining an opening that moves from an open position to a closed position, and defining an outlet for receipt of the straw; and a fastening member attached to the plush article for securement of the opening in the closed position and release of the opening to the opening position.
 9. The aesthetic case of claim 8, further comprising a liner covering an inner surface of the plush article.
 10. The aesthetic case of claim 8, further comprising a securement member attached to the plush article within the cavity for securement of the bottle.
 11. The aesthetic case of claim 8, further comprising a retention member on the straw to prevent removal of the straw from the opening of the cap.
 12. The aesthetic case of claim 8, further comprising an insulation material.
 13. The aesthetic case of claim 8, wherein the bottle comprises an insulation material.
 14. The aesthetic case of claim 8, wherein the fastening member is a hook and loop member.
 15. An aesthetic case for a beverage container, comprising: a sports bottle for receipt of a beverage, having a cap detachably engaged with the bottle and defining an opening, and a straw extending from the bottle through the opening of the cap; a plush toy defining a cavity for receipt of the bottle and the cap, and defining an opening that moves from an open position to a closed position, and defining an outlet for receipt of the straw; and a fastening member attached to the plush article for detachable securement of the opening. 